The Vestry of Christ Church, Alexandria is pleased to announce that they have called The Reverend John Hood Branson to serve as the Interim Rector to lead the congregation during the search process for a new permanent rector, usually a one to two-year period. The Rev. Branson will conduct a forum from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 25 in the Auditorium at Christ Church to introduce himself and discuss the role of interim rectors in Episcopal parishes and his role at Christ Church.

The Rev. Branson is an experienced parish priest who has capably led large congregations similar to Christ Church for over 30 years. Most recently, he served as the Interim Rector at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest Illinois, the largest church in the Diocese of Chicago. Prior to serving there, he was the Rector at Christ and Holy Trinity Church in Westport, Connecticut for 22 years. The Rev. Branson, and his wife Judyth, will reside in the Old Town area of Alexandria during their time at Christ Church.

“The Vestry was impressed by Reverend Branson’s commitment to shepherding his flock, his collegial style and ability to deeply connect with all around him, and the breadth and depth of his church management skills,” according to Janet Osborn, Christ Church Senior Warden.

The Episcopal Church considers it a best practice to have a period of time with an interim rector after a long-term rector retires in order for the congregation to identify their goals as a community, define and prioritize the skills and attributes that are most important in the next rector, and hire the next permanent rector.

For additional information or additional photo, Contact: Tara Knox, Development Director, Historic Christ Church; Alexandria, VA, 703-626-4837 (cell), 703-778-4928(direct), 703-549-5883 (fax), tknox@ccalex.org.

Historic Christ Church is a historic church with an active congregation. Located at 118 N. Washington St. in Alexandria, VA, Christ Church is home to 2,400 parishioners and provides ministry to communities local and global. The parish home of George Washington and many other government and legislative leaders since, Historic Christ Church has long been at the center of the religious and public life of the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. Nearly all the Presidents have attended Christ Church during their term of office. Other visitors include British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Senator Elizabeth Dole, former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, Rosa Parks, and Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu.